15 parks, gardens and forests in Paris that you must see

Which Parisian park would you like to visit on your next trip?

If you have spent a week in Paris in the past and as a result you too, there is no doubt that Victor Hugo hit the mark when in "Les Miserables" he called Paris "perfect", and if since then Your first visit You're left with a taste for more and your fingers are really tickling to return to the City of Lights, so you're in the right place - welcome to the Paris fan club.

Many of the members of this group approach me and point out that they have already seen all the usual things that an ordinary tourist usually sees on their first tour of Paris and ask what I would recommend to include in the second visit that is brewing?

Assuming that you have already visited all the main and attractive sites and neighborhoods of Paris, I would like to recommend trips that focus on the parks, gardens, and forests of this wonderful city, without Museums And no clothing stores. Another assumption is that you have already visited the famous royal parks: Luxembourg Gardens, the Tuileries Gardens, the Palais Royal Gardens, and the Gardens of Versailles, due to the fact that they are recommended on every website that deals with basic tours of Paris.

So after you've exhausted the above places, we're "moving up a level" and focusing on places whose common title is: "A little peace from the hustle and bustle of the city" and which I have no doubt you'll enjoy very much.

Vincennes Forest

One of my favorite places to stay when I'm looking for peace and quiet is the Bois de Vincennes, which is the eastern green lung of ParisIn the Middle Ages it was used as a hunting ground for kings. France and was closed to the general public. It was only in 1860 that it became a public park. You will find several lakes there, the best known, largest and most accessible being Lac Daumesnil, which has two spectacular islands connected by bridges and which are highly recommended to visit. To reach them, you must go around the lake on the right side. Near the lake is the largest zoo in France, in the center of which stands an artificial rock that rises to a height of over 70 meters. This area of ​​the forest is reached by Metro Porte Doree.

In another part of the forest (Metro: Chateau de Vincennes) is the fortified complex of the Château de Vincennes. The castle, overlooking eastern Paris, was home to the kings of France in the 14th century. Louis XIV He spent his honeymoon there. Next to the castle is a royal chapel built in the Gothic style.

If you would like to read more about this magical forest, you are welcome to read the article. Vincennes Forest Park in Paris – a hiking trail and attractions for the whole family.

Paris Flower Park

Near the Chateau de Vincennes is the Paris Flower Park, which contains hundreds of types of flowers and plants, some of which are very special. The character of the park changes according to the seasons. It is actually a large and magnificent botanical park with a variety of plants, trees and flowers. Hundreds of varieties of flowers of all types, colors and sizes can be found here. Among other things: irises, orchids, lotus flowers, an impressive dahlia garden, water lilies and special and diverse medicinal plants. The flower garden also contains a large playground for the enjoyment of children. Musical performances are held on summer evenings.

Boulogne Forest

At the other end of the city, the Bois de Boulogne is the western green lung of Paris. It is located near the prestigious 16th arrondissement. The Bois de Boulogne, like the Bois de Vincennes, was originally a hunting reserve for kings. In 1852, Napoleon III ordered the forest opened to the public.

Among the other attractions of the Bois de Boulogne is the Jardin d'acclimatation. If you are on a trip with Children This is a pleasant and quiet playground for them with plenty of facilities, boating, a puppet theater, pony rides, a miniature train, and more. You can get here by Metro Sablons (Line 1) plus about 10 minutes walk.

Next to the amusement park is located Louis Vuitton Museum – A new, modern and magnificent center for fine arts. Behind the museum, a short distance away, is a small, intimate and lovely lake. But the two famous lakes of the Bois de Boulogne are located elsewhere: the large lake is called Lac inferieur, where you can rent rowboats, and next to it is a smaller but equally attractive lake called Lac superieur.

Many other attractions are located in the Bois de Boulogne. Among them are the Shakespeare Garden, the horse racing tracks, the famous Roland-Gros tennis courts, and the Parc des Princes football stadium.

If you would like to read an in-depth article about the Bois de Boulogne, you are welcome to read the article Boulogne Forest – The Complete Traveler's Guide.

Bagatelle Park

In the northwestern part of the Bois de Boulogne lies a wonderful and unique park – Parc de Bagatelle. Built in 1778, the park features a castle, a rose garden, artificial caves, ponds and extensive lawns with lots of colorful peacocks. Of particular interest are the magical Japanese garden, the iris patch and the small lake with its magnificent water lilies. Every year in June, an international rose growers’ competition is held in the park.

Bus No. 244 Which leaves from Port Mayo and connects most of the attractions within the forest, also reaches Bagatelle Park.

Albert Kahn Gardens

South of the Bois de Boulogne are the Albert Kahn Gardens – gardens of impressive beauty, truly breathtaking. They were established in Paris by the Jewish banker Albert Kahn and include a complex of gardens: Japanese, English, French, a rock garden, a rose garden, and more. At the entrance to the gardens is a small museum that covers Kahn’s life’s work. A unique place in the Parisian landscape, or if you like: a small paradise that is worth a visit.

Arrival by metro: Boulogne-pont de st-cloud.

Bot-Shoumon Park

One of the most beautiful and unique gardens in Paris (in my opinion) is located in the 19th arrondissement. It is called PARC DES BUTTES CHAUMONT. It is a truly magical park. Staying there makes us completely forget that we are in the heart of a large and bustling city. Most tourists are unaware of its existence. The park has an artificial mountain structure and an impressive panoramic view.

You will find all the ingredients needed for a magnificent garden: artificial mountains and valleys, a magnificent lake, bridges, a cave, a waterfall, a cliff and at the top a small temple in the ancient Roman style from which you can enjoy a magnificent view towards the Sacré-Cœur church. Do not miss out on visiting the waterfall located in a cave next to the lake at the foot of the cliff on which the Roman temple is located. Sometimes it is a bit difficult to locate the waterfall – follow the sound of the flowing water. The ceiling of the cave is covered with artificial stalactites. Simply a small paradise in the heart of Paris.

If you would like to read more about the park, you are welcome to visit the article. Parc de But Chaumont – from a landfill to a wonderful park.

You can reach Bute Chaumont Park via the following metro stations: BUTTES CHAUMONT או BOTZARIS.

Paris districts

• Confused about all the different neighborhoods in Paris? The next article You will get a lot of things sorted out.

Monceau Park

Another park that you shouldn't miss is PARC MONCEAU at the station. Metro MONCEAU. Spread over the 8th and 17th arrondissements. It is close to the center of Paris, relatively small but with its own special character. In short, a charming romantic corner that includes a mixture of ancient and new - old columns in a classical style resembling Roman remains alongside rich and diverse flowering vegetation and a small, spectacular and special lake. The garden is planted with large trees, some of which are over 150 years old, which spread shade over the park's paths. The garden is designed in the English style, you will find a variety of interesting statues and decorated gates plated with gold.

Spicy addition: The world's first parachutist parachuted into Parc Monceau on October 22, 1797.

Anyone who wants to read more about this garden is welcome to visit the article. Parc Monceau – A trip to my favorite garden in Paris.

Montessori Park and University Campus

The park, located in the south of Paris, spreads over 150 square meters and is the main green lung of southern Paris. It is characterized by elegant trees with wide margins that protect the environment, extensive lawns, impressive environmental sculptures, and a beautiful lake in the center of which there is an island and a small cave that serve as a shelter for birds.

The place is pleasant for a short and relaxing stay. Many French people from the area spend their weekends there. In the autumn months, the park is filled with amazing colorful foliage. This can be a great celebration for the photography enthusiasts among you. Opposite the garden, across the main road lies the University Quarter, which is a small and friendly international city where students from all over the world study. In this huge complex you can find restaurants, libraries, a swimming pool and a theater. A lively and cheerful area during the school months and deserted during the holidays.

The most convenient way to get to the park is by suburban train (RER) at the station University City

Citroen Park

One of Paris’s newest parks is “Parc Citroën” in the 15th arrondissement. The park, which opened in 1992 on the site of the former Citroen car factory, hence its name, consists of seven colorful gardens with fountains, greenhouses, and ponds.

On summer weekends, thousands of residents flock to the huge central lawn and fountains, exposing their bodies to the scorching Parisian sun and turning the place into an improvised beach. At the same time, you can also see Paris from an unusual angle: from a bird's eye view by floating in a giant hot air balloon that is operated from within the park. The park itself is less well-kept and tidy than the city's older parks, but it is located in a developing area that is different from classic Paris.

One of the options to reach it is via street. BALLARD Via the metro station of the same name, which is the final stop of line 8. Another option is to take the Lourmel metro. The JAVEL metro is also a short walk from the park.

You can combine your stay at Citroen Park with a visit to: AQUABOULEVARD DE PARIS Located within walking distance. This is a huge and unique entertainment, sports and recreation site. A spectacular place, unknown to tourists, different from anything else in Paris. It is a kind of exciting country club that includes a variety of gyms, huge and magnificent swimming pools, some indoor and some open, inside the pools there are many attractions - islands, cafes, climbing poles, water currents, giant slides, bubble bath, wave machine and more.

George Brassens Park

One of the largest parks built in Paris in recent years, it is named after one of the greatest singers in French history. It is a park with large grassy areas and a small lake in the center. At the main entrance is a used book fair that opens its doors every weekend. The park is a source of entertainment for the children of the area.

Among other things, you can play here in special facilities for children, play ping-pong, ride young horses, and sometimes watch a puppet show. The park has a large hill covered with tall trees, which overlooks its surroundings and is also a site for children's playgrounds. A special corner has been established in the park where 80 varieties of plants that emit strong odors and are intended for the city's blind population.

Arrival by metro PORTE VANVES Or by metro CONVENTION.

Plant Garden

The Jardin des Plantes is a botanical garden in Paris that covers an area of ​​280 square meters in the very central fifth arrondissement of the city. The garden, built in 1635, is designed in a classic French style with straight lines and incredibly precise landscaping. It also contains a small zoo, the oldest in France, and a large natural history museum that is very attractive to children.

Its official name: The Grand Gallery of Evolution, which includes, among other things, a safari-like display of giant life-size sculptures of large animals. The garden is stunning in its colorful special flowers sorted by theme. It has tropical greenhouses, seasonal gardens, extensive areas of roses and irises, an alpine garden (rock garden), medicinal herbs and wild plants.

Arriving at the garden from stations JUSSIEU Metro או DAUSTERLITZ STATION.

Yitzhak Rabin Park

A short excursion to the renovated BERCY neighborhood is definitely recommended. You get off at the BERCY metro station and in front of you is the PALAIS OMNISPORTS DE PARIS BERCY – a kind of giant pyramid covered in vegetation. The place is used for performances by famous artists there, for cultural and art events and for sports competitions in the halls. This impressive and huge complex can accommodate up to 17,000 spectators. Next to the complex, a spacious, green and well-kept public park was built, with water ponds, many flowers and environmental sculptures as befits the city of Paris. Parts of the garden are filmed and projected in real time in the lake pavilion in the center of the park.

A few years ago, as a moving gesture by the Paris municipality, the park was renamed Yitzhak Rabin Park. At the entrance is a sign that reads “Yitzhak Rabin Park 1922-1995 Israeli military leader and statesman, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, assassinated on November 4 in Tel Aviv.” The park is overlooked by the modern American Cultural Center and, on the banks of the Seine River, by the new building of the French Ministry of Finance.

Further along the park you will find BERCY VILLAGE – this is a relatively new pedestrian street in PASSAGE SAINT VIVANT with a variety of bars, restaurants, cafes, shops, cinemas, Club Med, a health club and much more. The pedestrian street is built of white stone, unusual in the old Parisian landscape. The place is lovely, different, pleasant and relaxing.

Arrival via metro line 14 to the station COUR ST-EMILION.

And in this developing environment, a few minutes' walk from the park, is the new National Library, consisting of four large buildings in the shape of an open book.

La Villette Park

In the Parc de la Villette is a relatively new science and culture center with a large science museum at its center. It takes a lot of time to fully explore this museum, especially if you are visiting with children. If you are in a hurry and are not crazy about science and technology, an outdoor tour of the many buildings of this huge park is preferable. Each building has its own character, shape, and purpose, and the most recommended and interesting is the circular cinema LA GEODE.

This is one of the most sophisticated halls in the world with a huge screen and a tremendous experience, it is round with a special concave screen of about 1000 square meters and on which films are projected on a size that you have never seen before in regular cinemas. Because of this size, viewers feel like they are part of the content. It is located inside a bright and sparkling blue bubble, like a mirror whose surroundings are reflected within it.

The park also has many red pavilions with different purposes, post-modern environmental sculptures, children's play facilities, spacious lawns, the ZENITH concert hall, Kiryat Musica, and more. In July and August, films are screened in the heart of the park, free of charge, in front of a giant screen for the enjoyment of the general public who flock here in droves.

Getting here by metro VILLETTE DOOR או PANTIN DOOR.

VIADUC DES ARTS AND THE PLANTED PROMENADE

The Promenade Plantee is located in the 12th arrondissement on the site of an old abandoned railway line. The promenade is two stories above the road below and is lined with a variety of shrubs, trees, and flowers. A stroll along it allows you to get a feel for the city life that takes place alongside it and to have an interesting look at the houses of the residents in the area.

The beginning of the promenade known as the “Green Route” LA COULEE VERTE on DAUMENSIL Street behind Opera House The new one extends for over 4 km to the Vincennes Forest. Of course, you don’t have to walk the entire length, and every few hundred meters there is a staircase where you can go down to road level.

Beneath the promenade and the railway arches made of pink stones, a special experience awaits the art and aesthetic enthusiasts among us - the place is called VIADUC DES ARTS and contains about 50 shops and workshops with art galleries, home design stores, workshops of artists from various fields, tiny shops and factories of interior designers, antique shops, carpenters, tapestries, goldsmiths and much more.

You get here via Bastille Square. Next to the new Opera building, walk along the DAUMENSIL towards Gare de l'Est.Lyon And along the entire length of the street on the left side, you can see the modern and unique shops and workshops, with the promenade above them.

Swan Island

Swan Island nearby Eiffel Tower It is not really an island. It is an artificial path without swans that was built on the water of the Seine River in 1827. The path is a little less than one kilometer long and extends from PONT DE BIR HAKEIM to the Statue of Liberty next to PONT DE GRENELLE. The face of the statue faces west, towards the original Statue of Liberty in New York.
The island is quite picturesque and romantic, with lots of trees and benches along its length, and is a favorite destination for bride and groom photos at sunset with the river and Eiffel Tower in the background. It is a place that tourists don't flock to that much, despite its beauty and uniqueness.

Opposite the Parisian Statue of Liberty, you can see the large, round building of Radio France, and on the other side of the Seine, the FRONT DE SEINE, American-style skyscrapers, luxury hotels of the best contemporary architecture, a private yacht marina, and the BEAUGRENELLE shopping center.